Wrapper type can carrier and improved tab construction therefor



Nov. 14; 1967 J. C. SPERY 3,352,413

WRAPPER TYPE CAN CARRIER AND IMPROVED TAB CONSTRUCTION THEREFOR FiledJuly 13, 1965 JOSEPH 1SPERY INVENTOR.

w zzw ATTORMEY United States Patent C) 3,352,413 WRAPPER TYPE CAN CARRERAND IMPROVED TAB CONSTRUCTION TEREFOR Joseph C. Spery, 5'27 Madison Ave,Suite 1412, New York, N.Y. 10021 Filed July 13, 1965, Ser. No. 471,595 7Claims. (Cl. 20665) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention isdirected to a wrapper type can carrier formed of a foldable blank ofsheet material comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair ofopposed connected side panels interconnected to define a closedquadrilateral figure having open end portions. The inventioncontemplates an improved holding tab which is blanked out of the planeof the top panel in a manner so that the tab may be folded inwardly ofthe closed figure and extend between a pair of cans confined within theclosed quadrilateral figure of the carrier. The arrangement is such thatthe tab is reversely folded so as to have a laterally offset portionwhich is adapted to engage the can at the tangent point thereof.

The arrangement is such that the lateral offsetting of the reverselyfold-ed end of the panel holding tab renders it possible to reduce theoverall width of the blank to an optimum minimum whereby the width ofthe blank approaches D(n1) plus w where D equals the can diameter, nequals the number of cans in a can row, and w equals the width of thepanel-holding tab.

This invention relates in general to a wrapper type can carrier and thelike, and more specifically to a wrapper type can carrier having animproved panel holding tab constructed and arranged so as to result in asaving of material from which the carrier is formed without adverselyaffecting the overall strength and/ or holding characteristic of thecarrier.

Considerable effort has been made in the past to devise a carrier,usually formed of paperboard, cardboard and the like, to hold -aplurality of chimed end cans, such as beer cans, soda cans and othercanned products, in a positive manner, While at the same time reducingto a minimum the amount of material or paperboard required to form thecarrier. Because the use of such carriers constitutes an expense to themanufacturer of goods and products distributed in cans, constant effortsare being made to conceive a positive carrier in which the paper contentcan be reduced to minimize the cost thereof with the ultirnate savingsbeing passed to the consumer. Carriers of the type disclosed by US.Patent No. 3,032,185; Reissue Patent 25,111 and US. Patent No. 2,963,148are typical of the heretofore known carrier constructions which havebeen conceived in an effort to achieve the end result hereinbefore setforth.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedcan carrier and blank constructed and arranged so as to enhance a stillgreater saving of material over the carriers heretofore known withoutadversely affecting the holding qualities and/ or the can retainingcharacteristics thereof.

Another object is to provide a can carrier of the type disclosed in US.Patent No. 3,032,185; Reissue Patent 3,352,413 Patented Nov. 14, 198725,111; and, US. Patent No. 2,963,148 having an improved holding tabconstruction that will result in a further economy and/ or saving ofmaterial from which the carrier is constructed.

Another object is to provide a wrapper type can carrier with an improvedpanel holding tab construction which is relatively simple andinexpensive to fabricate.

Still another object is to provide a can carrier specificallyconstructed to attain maximum strength through the minimum use ofmaterial.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a blankconstruction in which the overall Width of the expanded blank fordefining a closed quadrilateral figure for containing therein aplurality of cans disposed in can rows therein approaches D(nl) plus wwhere D equals the diameter of the cans, n equals the number of cans ina can row, and w equals the Width of the panel retaining tab.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a can carrier, animproved tab construction which permits the free edge of the carrier toapproach the point of tangency of the end most cans contained within thecarrier.

Another object is to provide a Wrapper type can carrier with a panelholding tab blanked out of the plane of a panel portion thereof so as tobe folded inwardly of the carrier and reversely folded with respect toitself in outwardly offset relationship for engaging the chimed endportion of a can at the point of tangency thereof and thereby permit theoverall width of the wrapper blank to be minimized to result in savingsin the amount of paperboard required to construct such a can wrapper.

Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention are attainedby a wrapper type can carrier folded of a foldable blank of sheetmaterial comprising atop panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of opposedconnected side panels interconnected to define a closed quadrilateralfigure having open end portions. Generally, such closed figures aresized to hold a plurality of rows of chimed end cans disposed inside-by-side relationship wherein substantially one-half of therespective end most cans of the can rows extend beyond the open endportions of the closed figure. Means in the form of can retaining tabsare blanked out of at least of the top panel portion of the carrier tofold inwardly of the closed figure defined thereby for engaging thechimed end of the cans to retain the same between the opposed panelportions thereof.

In accordance with this invention, a panel holding tab is blanked out ofthe plane of the top panel in a manner so that the tab may be foldedinwardly of the closed figure and extend between a pair of end most cansto engage with one of them so that the adjacent panel may be heldcontinguous to the end of the cans. The arrangement is such that thetabs are spaced inwardly from the opposed end edge portions of the toppanel and are foldable inwardly of the carrier about a foldline disposedin the plane of the top panel. Accordingly, each of the respective panelholding tabs are reversely folded along an intermediate foldlineinwardly of the carrier so as to define a laterally offset reverselyfolded end portion, the free end of which is adapted to engage thechimed portion of a can between the tangent points of the end cans. Thereversely folded outwardly offset end portion of the panel holding tabsmay fold about its respective intermediate foldlines to define either aJ forming fold or a t forming fold. The arrangement is such that thereversely folded laterally offset portion of the panel holding tab isadapted to engage the can along the center line thereof. Accordingly, ithas been discovered that by laterally offsetting the reversely foldedend of the panel holding t-abs, the overall width of the blank fromwhich the wrapper is formed can be reduced to a minimum wherein width ofthe blank approaches optimum minimum width of D(n1) plus w where Dequals the can diameter, 11 equals the number of cans in a can row, andw equals width of the panel holding tab.

A feature of this invention resides in a can carrier which may be formedof a single sheet of foldable blank material in which the overall widthof the blank is reduced to an optimum minimum of substantially Dill-l)+w wherein D equals the diameter of the cans disposed in the can row, nequals the number of cans in the can row, and W equals substantially thewidth of the offset portion of the tab.

Another feature of this invention resides in a wrapper type can carrierhaving an improved panel holding tab which is provided with a reverselybent laterally offset portion specifically constructed and arranged soas to engage the chimed portion of a can at the point of tangencythereof to result in minimizing the overall width of the blank fromwhich such carrier is formed.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a wrappertype can carrier having an improved panel holding ta-b constructionhaving a reversely folded laterally offset end portion defined as a Ifold.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a wrappertype can carrier having an improved panel holding tab with reverselyfolded laterally offset end portion defining a t shaped fold.

Another feature of this invention resides in a wrapper type can carrierformed of a single sheet of foldable blank material constructed with animproved panel holding tab which permits the overall width of the blankto be reduced to a minimum without adversely affecting the can holdingqualities and/ or characteristics of the carrier.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent whenconsidered in view of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of the wrapper type carrierconstructed in accordance with this invention for holding a plurality ofcan rows disposed in side-byside relationship in which the can retainingtabs have not been shown to better illustrate improved portions of thecarrier.

FIGURE 2 illustrates an expanded or plan view of the blank constructionfrom which the can wrapper of FIG. 1 is' formed.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the carrierillustrating the improved tab construction in accordance with thisinvention.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged vertical section view taken along line 4-4 onFIG. 3.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 66 on FIG. 5.

FIGURES 7 and 8 are comparison view of the improved tab construction ofthis invention (FIG. 8) as compared with a prior known construction(FIG. 7) to illustrate how the instant invention efiects saving inmaterial from which the carrier is formed.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 the improved cantype wrapper 19 embodying the instant invention. The wrapper typecarrier 10 of the type disclosed in FIG. 1 is particularly adapted forholding or containing therein a plurality of cans, as for example beercans, soda cans, and various other cans in which goods are distributed.7

Generally, such carriers 10 are constructed and arranged so as tocontain therein six cans disposed in two rows of three cans eacharranged in side-by-side relationship. However, it will be understoodthat the carrier need not be limited to six cans. Such carriers aregenerally formed from a single blank 11 of foldable sheet material, suchas cardboard, paperboard, and the like; scored and folded to define atop panel 12, a bottom panel 13, and a pair of opposed side panels 14,15 interconnected therebetween so as to define a closed quadrilateralfigu-re having opened end portions. If desired, a

suitable handle (not shown) may be formed integral therewith tofacilitate carrying of the carrier. However, in the illustrated form ofthe invention, the means for facilitating the carrying of the carrier inthe assembled and loaded position thereof comprises a pair of fingerholes 16 formed in the top panel portion 12, as shown. The arrangementis such that the finger holes 16 are located so as to overlie the voiddefined between the adjacent cans in the respective can rows.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blank 11 from which the wrapper typecan carrier 10* of this invention is formed comprises a single sheet offoldable material which is provided with a plurality of transverselyextending foldlines F F F F F F to define a top panel 12 disposedintermediate a pair of side forming panels 14, 15. Connected to the freeedge of the respective side forming panels 14, 15 along foldlines F F isa panel section arranged to define a half portion or section 13A, 13Brespectively of the bottom panel 13. Connected to the edge F P of therespective half bottom panels 13A, 133 along the foldline is an extendedportion 17, 18 adapted to be reversely folded about foldlines F F in theassembled position of the carrier and secured together to define theclosed quadrilateral figure as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the freeedge of the reverse folds of sections 17, 18 function to engage thebottom chimed end portion of the cans disposed on the adjacent halfbottom panel section, as is evident in FIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 12 and each of therespective half bottom panels 13A, 13B are provided with can retainingtabs 19 blanked out of the respective planes thereof so as to be foldedinwardly of the wrapper, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5 to engage withthe adjacent chimed end of the can. The respective can retaining tabs 19are folded inwardly about the respective foldlines F so as to underliethe panel from whence they are blanked. In this form of the invention itis to be noted that the can retaining tabs 19 are provided for retainingonly the end most cans of the respective can rows, the middle or innercan being retained by the retained end cans of the respective can rows.7

To provide positive retention of the cans by the can retaining tab 19, apanel retaining or holding means is provided for maintaining both thetop and bottom panels contiguous to the top and bottom end walls of thecans disposed within the carrier. As hereinbefore described, thereversely folded end portions 17, 18 of the blank which are connected tothe respective half bottom panels 13A, 13B function to retain therespective half bottom panels 13A, 13B contiguous to the bottom ends ofthe respective cans.

In accordance with this invention, an improved panel holding tab 20' islocated in the top panel 12 of the wrapper. In accordance with thisinvention, the improved panel holding means 20 blanked out of the toppanel of the wrapper are specifically constructed and arranged so as topermit a reduction in the overall width of the blank material from whichthe wrapper is formed to an absolute minimum so as to effect a maximumeconomy of saving of board, without adversely effecting the holdingcharacteristics or strength of the carrier of the type to which theinstant carrier relates. With the improved tab construction 20, as willbe hereinafter described, the overall width W of the wrapper blank canbe reduced to substantially D(n1)+w where D equals-the diameter of therespective cans, n equals the number of cans in the can row, and W,equals the width of the improved panel ret aining tab 20, as will behereinafter described.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, it is to be noted thatthe improved holding tab 20 construction is blanked out of the top panel12. As shown, the respective panel holding tabs 20 are disposed adjacentthe outer longitudinal edge portion of the blank 11. The arrangement issuch that the respective panel holding tabs 20 are adapted to be foldedinwardly of the carrier along a foldline F disposed in the plane of thetop panel 12.

It is to be noted that the foldine F about which the respective panelretaining tabs 20 is folded is disposed at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal edge of the blank. While the foldline F may be normal tothe edge of the blank, in the illustrated embodiment the foldline F ofthe tab is inclined to the edge of the board. Intermediate the length ofthe tab 20 there is provided an intermediate or second foldline F whichis inclined similarly to the illustrated foldline F about which theretaining tab 20 is folded inwardly of the carton. Also, the free end 21of the tab 20 is die cut on an angle so as in the operative position, aswill be hereinafter described, it will engage the can chime at thetangent point. If desired, the one or both sides of the tab may betapered so as to control the width of the free end 21 portion of thetab. Accordingly, in the operative position, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4,the panel holding tab 20' in the assembled position of the wrapper isfolded inwardly of the wrapper and reversely folded onto itself inlaterally offset relationship so as to be disposed between the end cansC C of the respective can row adjacent the point of tangencytherebetween.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is to be noted that the end portion 21 of thetab 20 is reversely folded so as to form a t-shaped fold whereby thereverse fold end portion 21 thereof is laterally offset as best seen inFIGS. 1, '3, and 8. Accordingly, the free, reversely folded, laterallyoffset edge 21 of the panel retaining tab is arranged to engage thetangent point between the end most cans C C of the can row, and therebyfunctions to positively retain the top panel 12 flush against the endsof the chimed can to insure positively retention of the can tabs 19within the raised chimed end portion of the can and the top panel.

In a modified form of the invention, the reversely folded end portion 21of the panel retaining tab 20 may be reversely folded to define a J foldas shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Accordingly, it is to be noted that with theJ fold retaining tab of FIGS. 5 and 6, the free edge of the tab willengage the can C When the panel retaining tab 20 is provided with at-shaped fold, as disclosed in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the free edge of thereversely folded tab will engage can C With the construction described,the arrangement is such that the angular, laterally offset, reverse foldof the panel holding tabs 2%} permit the overall width of the blank 11from which the wrapper is formed to be reduced to a minimum. Referringto FIGS. 7 and 8, it will be noted that the overall width of the blank11 from which the carrier is formed can be reduced on each side of theblank by a strip having a length coextensive with the length of theblank and a width equal to dimension X as evident in FIG. 7.

In the prior known construction of a blank of the type herein inquestion, as evidenced in FIG. 7, it is to be noted that the width ofthe blank had to be increased on each end by an added width equal to Xin order to provide sufficient board between the free edge of the blankand the die out which defines the outer edge of the panel holding tab inorder to maintain the strength of the board adjacent the area fromwhence the holding tabs are blanked. Consequently, the overall width ofthe board of prior known constructions was required to account for thisX dimension on both sides of the blank.

With the applicants construction, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the improvedholding tab 26, provided with a reversely bent, laterally offset portionallows for the elimination or reduction in board of that amountequivalent to a strip having dimension X on both sides thereof. This isrendered possible, because with the instant construction panel retainingtab 20 may laterally offset in the folded position to engage the tangentpoint of the cans. Accordingly, the laterally offset reversely bent endportion of the respective panel holding tabs 20 allows the outermostpoint of the reverse bent portion of the tab to be substantiallycoincident with the outermost edge of the blank. Accordingly, by spacingthe panel retaining flap 20 inwardly from the outer edges of the blankand by providing a laterally offset reversely bent fold, the arrangementis such that the free edge of the reversely bent laterally offset foldmay still be located so as to engage the point of tangency of the can,and thereby enables the top panel to be retained contiguous to thechimed end portions of the can to affect positive retention of the canstherein.

With the construction described, it is to be noted that the overallwidth of the blank from which the wrapper is formed is effectivelyreduced, while at the same time permitting the panel holding tab 20 tobe folded to engage the point of tangency between the adjacent end cans.Accordingly, savings of approximately 10 percent of board is effectedthereby for any comparable carrier. In the industry to which theinvention relates such a saving in board is considered to besubstantial.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to severalembodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood thatvariations and modifications of the invention may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A can carrier comprising:

(a) opposed sides and connected top and bottom panels defining a closedquadrilateral figure having open end portions,

(b) means defining can retaining tab blanked out of one of said panelsof said blank and folded inwardly thereof to engage the ends of saidcans,

(c) and means for retaining said one panel against the ends of said cansto retain said can retainer tabs in operative position against the endof said cans,

(d) said latter means including a holding tab blanked out of the planeof said one panel adjacent the outer edge of said one panel,

(e) said holding tab being inwardly bent about a foldline disposed at anangle with respect to the outer edge of said one panel,

(f) said holding tab having formed intermediate the ends thereof anangularly disposed foldline relative to the side of said tab about whichsaid holding tab is reversely folded so that the free end thereof islaterally offset with respect to the connected portion of the tab, thefree edge of the lateral offset portion being coincident with the outeredge of the panel and engages the chime end of the can at the tangentpoint thereof.

2. A can carrier comprising:

(a) a substantially rectangularly shaped blank of readily foldablematerial defining opposed sides, and connected top and bottom panelsdisposed in end-t0- end relationship for enwrapping a row of chimedcans,

(b) means defining can retaining tabs blanked out of the top panel ofsaid carrier and folded inwardly thereof to engage the top of said cans,

(c) and means for retaining said top panel against the top of said cansin the operative position of said carrier to retain said can retainertabs in operative position against the top of said cans,

(d) said latter means including a holding tab blanked out of the planeof said top panel adjacent the outer edge of said blank,

(e) said holding tab being inwardly'bent about a fold- 7 line disposedin the plane at an angle to the said outer edge which is other thannormal of said top panel,

(f) said holding tab having formed intermediate the ends thereof anangularly disposed foldline relative to the side edge of said tab andsubstantially parallel to the angular foldline disposed in the plane ofthe top panel about which said holding tab is reversely bent so that thefree end thereof is laterally and outwardly offset whereby the free endthereof engages the chime of one of the cans in said row atsubstantially the tangent point thereof,

(g) said outwardly offset reversely folded portion of said holding tabbeing coincident with the outer edge of said top panel whereby the widthof the blank is reduced to an optimum minimum.

3. A can carrier comprising:

(a) a blank of readily foldable material defining opposed sides, andconnected top and bottom panels for enwrapping a row of chimed cans,

(b) means defining can retaining tabs blanked out of the top panel ofsaid blank and folded inwardly thereof to engage the top of said cans,

(c) and means for retaining said top panel against the top of said cansto retain said can retainer tabs in operative position between said toppanel and the top ends of the cans,

(d) said latter means including a holding tab blanked out of the planeof said top panel adjacent the outer edges of said blank,

(e) said holding tab being inwardly bent about a foldline disposed inthe plane of said blank at an inclined angle relative to the edge ofsaid blank,

(f) said holding tab having formed intermediate the ends thereoftransversely extending diagonal foldline about which said holding tab isreversely bent so that the free end thereof is adapted to engage thechime of one of the cans in said row whereby the respective foldlines ofsaid tab enable said tab to conform to a circumferential portion of saidcan.

4. A wrapper type carrier blank adapted to enwrap a plurality ofcontainers disposed in a row (a) said blank comprising a sheet ofrectangular folded sheet material defining opposed top and bottom panelsadapted to be disposed contiguous to the tops and bottoms respectivelyof the chimed end cans disposed in side-by-side can rows, and

(b) opposed side panels interconnected between said top and bottompanels to define a closed quadrilateral figure having open sides wherebythe overall width of said blank is equal to D(nl)+w and including (c)can retaining tabs blanked out of the plane of said top and bottom panelfor engaging the chime of the end most cans of a can row for retainingthe same in position within said figure,

(d) and panel holding means connected to both said top and bottom panelsto engage the chime of a container for holding said top and bottompanels parallel to and contiguous to the top and bottom of said cans toassure positive engagement of said can retainer tabs with the tops andbottoms of said container,

(e) said panel holding means of said top panel comprising a holding tabblanked out of the plane of a said top panel,

(f) said holding tab being folded inwardly of said carrier about afoldline inclined to the edge of said top panel and reversely foldedabout a diagonal foldline disposed intermediate the ends of said tab andsubstantially parallel to said first-mentioned foldline so that thereversely folded end portions is laterally outwardly ofiset to permitthe reversely folded free end of the holding tab to engage the chime ofa can between the tangent point of said end most cans in said can rows.

5. A wrapper type carrier adapted to enwrap a plural ity of cansdisposed in side-by-side rows and comprising:

(a) an elongated blank having spaced transversely extending foldlines todefine opposed top and bottom panels adapted to be disposed contiguousto the tops and bottoms respectively of the containers disposed in saidrow, and opposed side panels interconnected between said top and bottompanels to define a closed quadrilateral figure having open ends in thefolded position of said blank,

(b) said side panels being adapted to be disposed contiguous to theouter side of the outermost ro of cans, t

(c) can retaining tabs blanked out of the plane of said top and bottompanel to engage the chime of the end most cans in said can rows forretaining the same in position within said figure,

(d) and panel holding means connected to both said top and bottom panelsto engage the chime of one of said end most cans for retaining said topand bottom panels parallel and contiguous to the top and bottom of saidcans to assure positive engagement of said can retainer tabs with thetops and bottoms of said container,

(e) said panel holding means of said top panel comprising a tab blankedout of the plane of said top panel,

(f) said holding tab being folded inwardly of said carrier about afoldline disposed in the plane of said top panel at an inclined angle tothe edge of said top panel and reversely folded about a diagonalfoldline disposed intermediate the ends of said holding tab andsubstantially parallel to said first-mentioned foldline,

(g) said holding tab having its reversely folded free end engaging thechime of a container between the tangent point of said end most cans ofsaid can rows whereby the free edge of said reversely folded end isdisposed coincident to said edge.

6. Ina wrapper type can carrier having connected opposed wall panels todefine a closed quadrilateral figure and having can retaining tabsblanked out of the plane of at least one of said wall panels wherebysaid can retaining tabs are folded inwardly of said carrier to engagethe chime end of a can for retaining the same in position within saidcarrier, the improvement of a panel holding tab blanked out of the planeof said one wall panel to positively maintain said one panel contiguousto the end of the can, said panel holding tab being folded inwardly ofthe carrier about a foldline disposed in the plane of said one panel andinclined at an angle to the edge of said panel, and reversely foldedabout a second foldline extending transversely of said panel holding tabintermediate the ends of said holding tab to define a reversely foldedend portion and a connected end portion, said reversely folded portionof said holding tab being laterally offset with respect to its connectedend portion so that the free edge of said holding tab engages the chimeof said can at the tangent point thereof and, said panel having anoverall width equal to substantially D(n1) plus w where D equals thediameter of the can, n equals the number of cans in a can row, and wequals the width of said tab.

7. A Wrapper type can carrier comprising a blank defining a closedquadrilateral figure having opposed wall panels and can retaining tabsblanked out of the plane of at least one of the wall panels of saidblank whereby said can retaining tabs are folded inwardly of saidcarrier to engage the chime of a can for retaining the same in positionwithin the closed figure, the improvement of a panel holding tab blankedout of the plane of said one wall panel to positively maintain said onepanel contiguous to the end of the can, said panel holding tab beingfolded inwardly of the carrier about a foldline disposed in the plane ofsaid one panel and extending at an angle other than normal to the edgeof said one panel, and reversely folded about a second disposedsubstantially parallel foldline extending transversely of said panelholding tab intermediate the ends of said holding tab to define areversely fold end portion and a connected end portion, said reverselybent portion of said panel holding tab being laterally oifset withrespect to its connected end portion so that the free edge of said panelholding tab engages the chime of said can at the tangent point thereofwhereby the overall width of said blank equals D(n1)-|-w where D equalsthe can diameter, n equals the number of cans in can row adapted to bedisposed in the carrier, and w,; equals the width of the free end ofsaid holding tab.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 THERON E. CONDON, PrimaryExaminer.

MARTHA L. RICE, Examiner.

1. A CAN CARRIER COMPRISING: (A) OPPOSED SIDES AND CONNECTED TOP ANDBOTTOM PANELS DEFINING A CLOSED QUADRILATERAL FIGURE HAVING OPEN ENDPORTIONS, (B) MEANS DEFINING CAN RETAINING TAB BLANKED OUT OF ONE OFSAID PANELS OF SAID BLANK AND FOLDED INWARDLY THEREOF TO ENGAGE THE ENDSOF SAID CANS, (C) AND MEANS FOR RETAINING SAID ONE PANEL AGAINST THEENDS OF SAID CANS TO RETAIN SAID CAN RETAINER TABS IN OPERATIVE POSITIONAGAINST THE END OF SAID CANS, (D) SAID LATTER MEANS INCLUDING A HOLDINGTAB BLANKED OUT OF THE PLANE OF SAID ONE PANEL ADJACENT THE OUTER EDGEOF SAID ONE PANEL, (E) SAID HOLDING TAB BEING INWARDLY BENT ABOUT AFOLDLINE DISPOSED AT AN ANGLE WITH RESPECT TO THE OUTER EDGE OF SAID ONEPANEL, (F) SAID HOLDING TAB HAVING FORMED INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOFAN ANGULARLY DISPOSED FOLDLINE RELATIVE TO THE SIDE OF SAID TAB ABOUTWHICH SAID HOLDING TAB IS REVERSELY FOLDED SO THAT THE FREE END THEREOFIS LATERALLY OFFSET WITH RESPECT TO THE CONNECTED PORTION OF THE TAB,THE FREE EDGE OF THE LATERAL OFFSET PORTION BEING COINCIDENT WITH THEOUTER EDGE OF THE PANEL AND ENGAGES THE CHIME END OF THE CAN AT THETANGENT POINT THEREOF.